Colorado WR Paul Richardson declares for draft

Colorado wide receiver Paul Richardson has decided to skip his final season of eligibility and make himself available for the NFL draft, the school announced on Monday.

Richards was named to the 2013 All-Pac-12 first team squad after catching 79 passes for 1,289 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He holds 29 school records, including single-game and single-season marks for receptions and receiving yards.

“I can get faster, bigger and stronger overall,” Richardson said. “I want to do what it takes to move up in the draft.”

Some draft boards are projecting Richardson to be a second or third round pick. He missed the 2012 season due to a knee injury that required surgery, but had a successful 2013 despite playing for a Colorado team that suffered from inconsistent quarterback play.

It doesn’t help the Buffaloes to be without their best weapon next season but, on the bright side, it does reflect well on the program if it can send a guy to the NFL early.